Singer/songwriter Forrest Hill makes story driven adult alternative indie music, mixing elements of folk, pop and rock, with lyrics inspired by observations of the human condition and personal insights from his meditation practice. Forrest began writing music while traveling around the country in his youth. He was inspired to compose by the struggle and beauty he saw around him as he traveled the back roads of the American landscape. Channeling many of his influences at the time (Dylan, Hendrix, Motown) he developed a freewheeling style of music that crosses many genres and captures what Forrest calls the evolving human spirit.
After leaving the road, Forrest settled in Boston where he co-founded the funk rock band Judy’s Tiny Head (JTH). The band released two albums, including the single “My Car” (an ironic take on the worship of status symbols), which became a local commercial favorite in New England and a top 40 hit on college radio. Forrest and JTH went on to perform with such acts as the Violent Femmes, Run DMC, Deborah Harry, Paul Young and Aimee Mann. JTH eventually recorded with famed music producer Teddy Riley, before parting ways.
Following the breakup, Forrest returned to school in Boston and eventually earned a PhD in mathematical ecology before eventually resettling in Oakland, California. He began playing out at local coffee houses, where he developed a new more introspective writing style. His music was highly influence by his environmental work and newly found meditation practice.
In 2016, Forrest released his first solo album called “Rust.” The music was shaped by his passion for personal change and the deep love he had found with his new wife. Forrest followed this up with the 2018 album “ShadowLight”, which continued his investigation into life, diving deeper into the subjects of love, acceptance and the inevitability of change. Both albums spent over two months on the college radio music charts and garnered several sync licensing agreements.
Forrest released his third album “River of Stars,” during the height of the COVID pandemic. The music blog FV Music called it “a standout album, while Stepkid described it a “Dynamic, melodic and memorable.” River of Stars is Forrest’s best performing album to date. It remained on the college radio charts for over 2 months and has received over 500,000 streams on Spotify.
Forrest is currently working with producer Christopher Thomas on a new album called “Only Love,” to be released in the Fall, 2021. Recorded at Tiny Telephone Recording Studio in Oakland, the songs are more introspective than past albums, exploring some of the deeper phycological and cultural demons that lead to so much suffering and injustice in the world.
Critical reviews in the indie press for River Of Stars:
“Dynamic, melodic and memorable, this is just an excellent release. Absolutely fantastic” ~ STEPKID
“Alternative rock with a pop music edge There is some definite variance along the road…. everything here works well” ~ MUSIC STREET JOURNAL
“A carefully and professionally crafted album with smooth songs that are extremely catchy.” ~ ROOTSTIME (BELGIUM)
“[River of Stars is] full of amazing energy, thought-provoking lyrics, and a fresh of breath air in the indie/folk rock music scene. We highly recommend you listen to this album” ~ MUSIC TRAILS
“[‘River of Stars’] features poetical lyrics and gorgeous backing instrumentation, making it a standout album.” ~ FV MUSIC BLOG
“River of Stars shines through with flowingly amazing music…this is definitely one for the summer playlists.” ~ MUSIC EXISTENCE
Critical reviews in the indie press for ShadowLight:
“Shadowlight its more than an album, it’s a journey throughout time told through the chords of a guitar, the range of a singer and the lyrics of a songwriter…. Hill takes the best of Motown and Funk, and blends them together into memorable tunes.” ~ RJ Frometa of Vent Magazine
“ShadowLight is one of those albums where you can tell how much thought and work was put into it…. So, spread it around…. Highly recommended.” ~ Matt Jensen of Divide and Conquer
“[Forrest Hill] has crafted an album sure to appeal to those enamored with the indie folk scene. It’s full of a bold, declarative statements.” ~ Rick Jamm of JamSphere
“Forrest Hill has a truly incredible sound. He’s created a beautiful album. Any indie/folk rock fan should certainly give Shadowlight a listen…. an impressive feat.” ~ Skope Magazine
“The melodies [on ShadowLight] are pitch perfect, lingering in the mind long after the songs have ended. Reminiscent of the Fleet Foxes, everything about it simply stuns.” ~ Beach Sloth
“Everything about these tracks gives off good vibes…. OVERALL RATINGS (5/5)” ~The Ratings Game
